Benji Madden Doesn't Sweat Small Stuff

By Mark Gray

Originally posted Wednesday December 31, 2008 12:45 PM EST

Benji Madden Photo by: Paul Redmond / FilmMagic

When it comes to rumors, Benji Madden says the best medicine is a sense of humor. He would know, too, since the last year of his life has been profiled and scrutinized in the media largely based on a high-profile romance with Paris Hilton.

"You just kind of have to laugh about all the things that are said," he told PEOPLE. "People will call me all the time and be like 'Hey, I heard this or that.' "

To clear up the latest rumor, no, he isn't dating Britney Spears. "That one was news to me. My friend called me and asked if I was dating Britney because he read it somewhere and I was like, what?"

Though the rumor mill will likely follow him in 2009, Madden said he will continue to be himself and focus on releasing a new album with his band, Good Charlotte. "We're taking out time to make sure the new record is exactly what we want."

Another focus: Deejaying.

Madden will ring in the New Year behind the turntables at Las Vegas club Body English inside the Hard Rock Hotel.

"Deejaying has become more of a second kind of career for me. I've been doing it so much and doing it long enough now that I'm really taking it seriously. The band is always number one, but Deejaying is a big part of my life."